After Li Shimin heard this, he went silent for a moment before a glint flashed across his eyes. "Even if I want to deal with Du Qi in the future, I will do it fair and square. I won't use any underhanded methods."
"Du Qi is doing business in an upright manner and has never stirred up trouble. Naturally, we will not interfere."
"I can't do anything that benefits the country and the people."
"Harming others without benefiting oneself is something only a fool would do. When the Tang dynasty stabilizes, I won't be afraid even if Tibet threatens me. Furthermore, I will remember that Tibet dared to swallow up their troops at the border. "
After pausing for a moment, Li Shimin continued, "As for Du Qi's development, my Tang dynasty is also developing rapidly. Compared to Du Qi's development, the Tang dynasty is vast and has abundant resources. It will definitely develop faster. In short, I will swallow this loss. But in the future, we will compete with Du Qi again and try to arm wrestle with him. "
Li Jing said seriously, "Your Majesty is wise!"
Li Jing supported Li Shimin's decision 100%. Furthermore, Li Jing admired Li Shimin's decisiveness. The emperor was a creature that cared about face the most. Li Shimin was able to suppress his own thoughts and stop fighting. He didn't care about his personal honor and considered the overall situation of the Tang dynasty. This was extremely important to the entire Tang dynasty.
Li Shimin said, "Duke Wei, you observe the world with cold eyes. Your eyes can see through the truth. This time, it's all thanks to Duke Wei's reminder. "
Li Jing shook his head and said, "Your Majesty is praising me too much. I didn't help Your Majesty deal with Du Qi. This is already a dereliction of my duty. I don't deserve Your Majesty's praise."
Li Shimin said, "Duke Wei is too humble."
Zhangsun Wuji continued, "Your Majesty, since we are preparing to retreat, what about the Tang dynasty? But what about Hou Junji and the tens of thousands of soldiers? "
Li Shimin said, "Of course, we have to exchange them back."
Zhangsun Wuji said, "Is Du Qi willing?"
Li Shimin said, "We can negotiate with Du Qi again."
At this point, Li Shimin looked at Li Jing and ordered, "Duke Wei, you can arrange for the army to retreat as usual. Next, We will lead the army to Du Qi's camp and have a discussion with Du Qi. "
"Yes!"
Li Jing immediately agreed.
As Li Shimin spoke, he glanced at Zhangsun Wuji and sighed in his heart.
He knew Du Qi's conditions.
She wanted him to apologize.
He also wanted Zhangsun Wuji's son to be sent to the Western Regions as a hostage in exchange for Hou Junji and the others. However, Li Shimin couldn't say it out loud right now. He went to talk to Du Qi again and negotiated with him.
At that time, he would tell Zhangsun Wuji, and Zhangsun Wuji would feel better.
Most importantly, Li Shimin still had to negotiate an apology. He was not willing to apologize. Negotiations were a tug-of-war between the two parties, so Li Shimin was not in a hurry. After Li Jing made the arrangements, Li Shimin led thousands of elite cavalry out of Du Qi's camp.
The elite cavalry were Li Shimin's personal guards, and they were in charge of his safety. The moment Li Shimin arrived outside Du Qi's camp, he immediately arranged for someone to inform Du Qi to come out and meet him.
Du Qi soon came out.
The two of them sat on opposite sides of the table, and there was a canopy to block the sun.
Du Qi smiled and said, "Your Majesty has returned, and you only brought a few personal guards with you. It seems like Your Majesty has already decided to negotiate. "
Li Shimin said, "Du Qi, you win this time."
Du Qi said, "Your Majesty praises me too much."
Du Qi had already expected that this battle wouldn't happen. However, even if it did, Du Qi wasn't afraid. He had enough confidence to deal with it.
Li Shimin didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point, "Du Qi, I only agree to exchange Zhangsun Wuji's son, Zhangsun Chong, for Hou Junji. At the same time, you release all the captives. Accordingly, We will choose to withdraw the army. As for the rest, We will not agree. If you agree, this battle will be over. If you don't agree, We will throw caution to the wind and fight with you. "
Du Qi smiled and said, "Your Majesty, you're just threatening me!"
Li Shimin said, "You, Du Qi, have never been threatened, so how could We dare to threaten you? However, We have proposed a relatively suitable plan that both sides can accept. It's up to you. "
Du Qi thought for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty has already said this much, so what else can I say? I naturally agree. Right now, I can release all the captives, and Hou Junji will continue to be detained. Once Zhangsun Chong arrives in the Western Regions, I will naturally release Hou Junji. Of course, it doesn't matter if Zhangsun Chong doesn't come. Hou Junji can be detained here. However, although I agree, besides Zhangsun Chong coming to the Western Regions, I also have a small condition. "
Li Shimin frowned and said, "What condition?"
Du Qi said, "The reason why Your Majesty sent troops to the Western Regions and targeted me is all because of Zhangsun Wuji. Have him personally come to me, kneel in front of me and apologize. Your Majesty, I have never asked you to apologize. I only want Zhangsun Wuji to apologize and Zhangsun Chong to be a hostage. This is my bottom line. If Your Majesty doesn't agree, then forget it. We will go to war. "
Li Shimin said, "Zhangsun Chong will come, so will Zhangsun Wuji."
Du Qi said, "Your Majesty said that you will come, so I believe you. However, Your Majesty, I have to remind you. Right now, I am not strong enough. I can only protect myself, but I am not aggressive enough. "
"When my strength develops in the future, if Your Majesty comes to provoke me again, the situation will not be like this. At that time, at the very least, I will have to cede territory and pay compensation. I might even have to invade the Tang dynasty. "
"In short, I will not provoke others, but I am not afraid of trouble."
Du Qi said, "I, Du Qi, am grateful to Your Majesty. But this kind of gratitude also depends on what Your Majesty wants to do. If Your Majesty wants to send troops, then the next time will be a tough battle. "
After all, Du Ruhui was in Chang 'an.
Du Qi had some concerns.
Moreover, Du Qi still had some feelings for the Tang dynasty. He was not willing to do things like internal strife. He was willing to expand to the west. But if the Tang dynasty wanted to target him and the Emperor wanted to send troops, Du Qi was not afraid of a battle.
This was Du Qi's attitude.
Li Shimin snorted and said, "Du Qi, I hope you know what to do."
Du Qi said, "Your Majesty, I only have eight words. If you don't betray me, I will not betray you. "
Li Shimin stood up and said, "Farewell!"
Du Qi said, "Farewell, Your Majesty!"
Li Shimin waved his sleeves and strode away. The black-armored cavalry escorted Li Shimin and quickly disappeared from Du Qi's sight. Du Qi looked at the departing Li Shimin. He knew that the friendship between him and Li Shimin, even if there was only a little left in the past, was no longer a personal friendship. There was only hostility between nations.
Du Qi did not feel anything.
This was the price of independence.
Of course, Du Qi knew Li Shimin better. This was a promising lord. Perhaps Li Shimin had suffered a hidden loss now, and that was fine. But later, Li Shimin's strength would be tyrannical. He might have a real head-on contest with the Tang dynasty.
After Li Shimin left, he thought about Du Qi's words.
From the meaning of the words, Li Shimin was actually quite gratified because Du Qi had made his attitude clear. If the Tang dynasty did not deal with Du Qi, then Du Qi would never rebel against the Tang dynasty. He would definitely be loyal to the Tang dynasty.
Du Qi's words were too arrogant, and Li Shimin did not like the tone of his words.
After all, Li Shimin was the Emperor.
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